John w



Patented July 23 J. w. BOTELER. TRUNK STAND- UNITED STATES PATENT owe-E.

JOHN IV. BOTELER, OF WASHINGTQN, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

TRUNK-STAN D.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters l Patent No. 543,373, dated July 23, 1895.

Application filed October 22, 1894. Serial No. 526,607- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J OHN W. BOTELER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Trunk-Stands; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in portable trunk-stands; and the object of the invention is to provide a stand or support upon which trunks, large valises, and similar articles can be placed to pack and unpack them in an easy and convenient manner without the trouble of stooping over, as is now the case, when the trunk, valise, &c., is placed on the floor in the ordinary manner; also, to construct this stand so that it can be readily foldedtogether in a very compact space, so as to be placed in a store-room or other convenient place; furthermore, to produce the stand of strong material, yet in such manner as to be comparatively light and of very simple construction, so that it can be sold at a very small expense.

My invention consists in the peculiar construction of parts and the arrangement of details, as will be more fully described hereinafter, and specifically pointed out in the claim, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and the letters of reference marked thereon.

Like letters indicate similar parts in the different figures of the drawings, in which Figure 1 represents a perspective view of my improved trunk-stand. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the same. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section with the legs in a folding position. Fig. 4 is a part end view and part cross-section of the stand.

In the accompanying V drawings, A represents a frame of proper material and size, to which the top, consisting of a series of slats B, three or more, are secured, leaving a space of considerable width between them. This is done for the purpose of lightening the same and as a solid top is not required. To the lower side of the two end slats, which may be two or three inches wide, the legs 0 are securedby the hinges d, so as to be placed in an upright position when the stand is to be used'or to be folded up when it is to be placed in the store-room or other place of storage. Each pair of legs is connected together in such manner that they will fold between each other by a cross-piece D. To the end pieces A of the frame A the springs E are secured by screws or rivets, and each provided on its outer loose end with a hook 6, so that when the legs 0 are placed in their vertical position the hook 6 will pass around and hold the end piece A until released, when the legs C can again be folded 'to be stowed away.

If desired, each spring E may be provided with a short handle or projectionf, by which the spring can be more conveniently released from the end pieces A whenit is desired todisengage them from the end up the stand.

To preventthe legs from falling outward when the stand is folded and is to be carried from one place to another, a catch or holder h made of metal may be pivoted to the side pieces A by a screw or its equivalent, and when turned over the legs 0, when folded,

pieces and fold will hold them in place.

The stand may be made of any size and configuration desired, and may be made ornamental. It can be also made of any suitable material, although I prefer woodsuch as oak, ash, or its equivalent. The slats form ing the top may be made very narrow, and there may be as many as desired, although three are usually sufficient of a width of two or three inches.

This trunk-stand maybe made of such size that it can befolded and carried in the trunk.

I am aware that, broadly, folding-tables, chairs, &c., are not new and have been patented; but,

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The trunkstand herein described, consisting of the frame A, provided with a catch h and having the end-pieces A, provided with the angular springs E secured thereto, and

having hooks e and the slats B forming the top, in combination with the hinged legs 0,

connecting bars D arranged to be held in an upright position by means of said springs, JOHN W. BOTELER. 5 and in folded position by the holder'h, all ar- Witnesses: ranged as shown and specified for the pur- GEO. H. MICHAELSON, pose set forth.

A. BLANCHARD.

In testimony whereof I affixmy signati'lre in presence of two Witnesses. 

